The Spread Eagle
Pubs and Bars with Restaurants
0.5 miles
1 High Street, Cottingham Market, Market Harborough, LE16 8XL
Set in the heart of picturesque Cottingham, The Spread Eagle is homely, welcoming and filled with community spirit. Landlord and landlady Sam and Stella Perkins have a lifelong affinity with their beloved local, not least because Sam is Cottingham born and bred. Back in the 60s when the pub was being rebuilt, he fondly remembers delivering newspapers to the workmen here, and today it is home to his long-supported local football club. There is also a traditional bar with darts, pool and Northamptonshire skittles. In the lounge there is live music on Saturdays and Welland Valley's toughest quiz every Thursday at 8.30pm. Indeed, The Spread Eagle is a curious mixture of old and new - character-filled original features such as sturdy oak beams and open fires lend a sense of history and sit well alongside the more recently installed polished modern floors. Meanwhile, trophies and Toby jugs add authenticity and that classic British touch. The food is also authentic. Locally sourced and of a consistently high quality, dishes such as crispy breast of duck and the 8oz sirloin steak offer something a little bit special, while the alternative £5 main-course menu means eating out can be tasty yet affordable, with options like fish and chips, bangers and mash and homemade curry being staple favourites. The desserts - which include a delicious fruits of the forest cheesecake and a classic apple crumble - are mostly homemade, and you'll find a new guest ale every week. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Sunday carvery continues to prove nothing beats a good roast on the Sabbath.
Open: Mon-Thurs 11.30am-3.30pm, 5.30pm-midnight; Fri-Sun 11.30am-midnight